Nigerian Army Doctrine Conference 2025 opens with COAS Oluyede’s transformative vision for leadership, professionalism, and combat readiness amidst Nigeria’s mounting security challenges.
Nigerian Army Doctrine and Training Conference 2025: A Paradigm Shift Under COAS Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede
MINNA, Niger State — On January 7, 2025, the Nigerian Army inaugurated its annual Doctrine and Training Conference, a pivotal event aimed at redefining the Army’s strategic and operational frameworks. The conference was officially opened by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who has been at the helm of the Nigerian Army since his appointment in late 2024.
A New Era of Leadership
Lieutenant General Oluyede’s ascension to the position of COAS marked a significant transition in the Nigerian Army’s leadership. Born in 1968 in Ikere, Ekiti State, Oluyede’s military career commenced in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy, culminating in his commissioning as a second lieutenant in 1992.
His extensive service record includes key command and staff roles, notably as the Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna, and participation in international peacekeeping missions such as the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia and Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi.
Appointed as Acting Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu on October 30, 2024, following the demise of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Oluyede’s appointment was confirmed by the Senate, and he officially assumed office on December 9, 2024.
Strategic Vision and Command Philosophy
At the Doctrine and Training Conference, Lieutenant General Oluyede articulated his command philosophy, emphasising four foundational pillars: Leadership, Sound Administration, Professionalism, and Combat Readiness. He underscored the critical role of doctrine in shaping the Army’s operational effectiveness, stating that a well-defined and understood doctrine is essential for cohesive and efficient military operations.
The theme of the 2025 conference, “Understanding Nigerian Army Doctrine for Effective Training within a Joint Environment,” reflects a commitment to integrating Army training within a broader joint operational context, acknowledging the necessity for inter-service collaboration in addressing contemporary security challenges.
Addressing Multifaceted Security Challenges
Nigeria’s security landscape is characterised by a spectrum of threats, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, farmers-herders conflicts, economic crimes, and separatist movements. Lieutenant General Oluyede highlighted the Army’s ongoing efforts over the past decade to enhance equipment and manpower development, ensuring readiness to effectively counter these diverse challenges.
He reiterated his commitment to advancing realistic training, ensuring troop welfare, and pursuing pragmatic equipment procurement and maintenance strategies. These elements are deemed indispensable for achieving the combat readiness required to meet Nigeria’s unique security challenges.
Role of Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)
The Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), under the leadership of Major General Kevin Aligbe, plays a pivotal role in steering the Nigerian Army’s training and doctrinal development. Major General Aligbe emphasised the strategic importance of the conference in setting the tone for training activities across all Nigerian Army institutions. He highlighted the Nigerian Army’s Proactive Responsive Doctrine as the guiding principle for training programs aimed at developing capacity to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Furthermore, Major General Aligbe stressed the importance of collaboration with sister services, security agencies, and non-governmental stakeholders in safeguarding the nation, underscoring the necessity for a unified approach to national security.
Commitment to Troop Welfare
Following the inauguration of the conference, Lieutenant General Oluyede engaged with troops stationed at the Minna Cantonment. He assured personnel that their welfare remains a top priority for his administration and pledged to address challenges within available resources. He urged the troops to remain committed to their duties, emphasising the critical role of the Nigerian Army in ensuring national security and enabling socio-economic development.
Appreciation for Presidential Support
The COAS concluded by expressing gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support and strategic leadership. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts between the Nigerian Army, sister services, and other security agencies in addressing the nation’s security challenges, highlighting the importance of cohesive inter-agency cooperation in achieving national security objectives.
The Nigerian Army Doctrine and Training Conference 2025 signifies a strategic shift under the leadership of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede. With a focus on comprehensive doctrine understanding, realistic training, and inter-agency collaboration, the Nigerian Army is poised to enhance its operational effectiveness in addressing the multifaceted security challenges facing the nation.
The commitment to troop welfare and the emphasis on leadership, administration, professionalism, and combat readiness reflect a holistic approach to military preparedness, aligning with global best practices in defence and security.
As Nigeria continues to navigate complex security dynamics, the outcomes of this conference are anticipated to play a crucial role in shaping the future trajectory of the Nigerian Army, ensuring it remains a formidable force dedicated to the protection and advancement of the nation’s interests.
For a visual insight into Lieutenant General Oluyede’s vision for the Nigerian Army, you can watch his address here:
Additional reports: Suleiman Adamu
Atlantic Post Senior National Security/Defence Correspondent.
